DIC (Dissolved Inorganic Carbon)

Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) refers to the forms of carbon found in water, primarily as carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, and carbonate ions. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the pH balance of oceans and freshwater systems and is vital for aquatic life. DIC is important for processes like photosynthesis in plants and algae, and it contributes to the ocean's ability to absorb atmospheric CO2. Understanding DIC is essential for studying climate change, as it helps scientists assess how carbon moves through ecosystems and impacts global warming and ocean health.